It was Christmas Eve day
and
the excitement of present opening and Santa was filling our home!
I was prepping for dinner at my in-laws (making manicottis)
and
making sure the presents were wrapped and the finishing touches for Christmas were complete.
The wrath of everyday laundry, dishes, and clean up was staring me straight in the eye.
It was set to be a busy day.
Around 1:00 my husband had a great idea, He announces:
"hey kids...let's go sledding, I'll pull you behind the wheeler!"
(Yes, I know very dangerous~but very fun! #don'tjudgeourlaziness)
The kids got their snowpants on, even our 16 year old boy joined in the fun.
(After begging and convincing of course).
They got their stuff on and headed out the door.
Just as they were headed out I yelled,
"Hey, wait for me...I'm coming!"
The boys looked at me as I started putting on my snowpants.
"Your coming mom?"
"Yes!" I replied..."Is that okay?"
"Yes mom, yes, yes....this is going to be sweet!"
In that moment, I was a little taken back by their shock.
I started to think back to how many times, I may have stayed in.
It has just been assumed moms staying home...
to make sure the "chores" of everyday life were completed.
I had ,in the past, missed out on probably some super fun experiences trying to
"make sure all the inside chores were done"
I think this is pretty common.
I hope I'm not the only one.
I believe that our days get filled up fast with tasks to complete.
However.
I have been... carefully opening my eyes, to not miss out on experiences like this.
I have been trying to be present.
I found that by being present that Christmas Eve day, I received the best Present.
I was part of the laughs.
I was part of the fun.
I was part of the bumps and bruises in the snow.
This year, 2016....I am not setting high expectations for myself.
All I'm hoping...is that I am present and participating.
Present in the stands.
Present in the home.
Present in their relationships.
Present in everyday Life.
..Not only present, but participating!
..Not only present, but participating!
Yes, the laundry and chores need to get done.
Yes, their will be times I get sucked in to the house & technology (facebook)
I will get distracted, I will forget, I will make mistakes.
BUT,
I am aware and I'm watching.
I will be Present in 2016!
Happy New Year to you all,
Shelby
